novelraw Chapter 505: A Chance to Change Fate
Chapter 505: A Chance to Change Fate
After reading the mission description, Tang Song had a thoughtful look in his eyes.
Having used the item 【Low Whispers of Humanity】, he understood Lin Muxue very well.
Xiao Xue didn’t have any grand ambitions, but she loved money—frankly speaking, she was quite the gold-digger.
This trait showed in many aspects.
For example, in the beginning, when he approached her at the roadshow as an ordinary employee, she barely paid him any attention. But once she saw Qianqian’s trust fund and his Bentley Continental, her attitude did a 180 in an instant, turning from distant to proactive and enthusiastic.
Or like when they were shopping at Xingyue City—every time she swiped her card, the【Low Whispers of Humanity】picked up intense emotional fluctuations.
So whenever Tang Song interacted with Xiao Xue, he never gave her large sums of money all at once, as a way to restrain her desires.
This slow-boil frog strategy kept Lin Muxue’s material longing alive, but prevented her from losing control.
But things were different now.
Now that Xiao Xue was bound to him as a companion and chosen for the【Personal Assistant】development route,it meant that Lin Muxue would inevitably come into contact with vast amounts of wealth and assets in the future.
Like this black credit card.
Although it was supposedly to help her better serve him, in reality, the power to use this card rested in her hands.
If constraints weren’t set in advance, this card could very well become a double-edged sword, even leading her to lose her sense of balance and do something unpredictable...
This mission was also a crucial opportunity to help her build the right view of money.
He returned to the main interface and entered the【Companion】module.
Light shimmered around the portrait of【Lin Muxue】.
He tapped on the card to view the details.
【Companion: Lin Muxue (23 years old)】
【Role: Rongliu Capital - Executive Assistant】
【Height: 173 cm, Weight: 52 kg】
【Constitution: 67, Stamina: 65, Agility: 70, Comprehension: 72】(Note: male and female scoring standards differ)
【Growth Progress: 40%】
【② Assistant Practice】
【Mission Objective: As a personal assistant who has successfully made up for her educational gap, she now possesses a higher-level social identity. Have “Companion - Lin Muxue” use her own abilities to successfully enter a top-tier social circle or elite industry organization, and help the player collect valuable information. Utilize the black card privileges and assistant identity to coordinate an international business trip arrangement, including but not limited to itinerary planning, private jet scheduling, high-privacy airport pickup, hotel selection, security planning...】
【Mission Reward: Growth Progress +10%, Exclusive Item Pack *1, Stamina +2, Comprehension +1】
【Mission Status: Incomplete】
【Note: Amidst the heavy workload and study, the companion also needs emotional care from the player. Please pay attention to nurturing the relationship.】
After reading the details of the second training mission, Tang Song’s lips curled up slightly.
These two missions were right up Xiao Xue’s alley, so they shouldn’t be too difficult.
Thinking of this, Tang Song picked up his phone and left a message for Lin Muxue: “Assistant Lin, congrats on successfully completing enrollment. Keep an eye on your phone tomorrow—your gift will arrive on time.”
“Bzzzz—" the phone buzzed instantly.
【Lin Muxue: “Thank you, President Tang. Looking forward to your gift! (#RedLips)”】
【Lin Muxue: VacationPhoto.jpg, VacationPhoto2.jpg...】
Clearly, Xiao Xue was very excited, sending over more than ten sexy photos in one go.
Tang Song casually opened them and admired for a bit, but didn’t mention the new mission just yet.
Since becoming his assistant, this was her first long holiday. As her boss and boyfriend, Tang Song hoped she’d enjoy a relaxing break.
Everything else could wait until her vacation ended.
Tang Song turned his attention back to the system interface to check his personal info.
【Player: Tang Song (77 Charm)】
【Role: President of Songmei Fashion】
【Height: 184 cm, Weight: 80 kg】
【Constitution: 75, Stamina: 78, Agility: 72, Comprehension: 83】
【Asset Status:】
Balance: 96 million yuan (Investments: 504.5 million yuan)
Unknowingly, his charm had reached 77 points, just 3 away from the next tier.
Agility had also increased by 1 point.
After briefly browsing through it,
Tang Song sat back down at the computer and continued discussing the upcoming livestream and marketing plans with his team.
Around 10 AM.
“Ding~~” The WeChat voice call notification rang out in the quiet room.
It was Liu Shasha, a junior high classmate.
Tang Song immediately answered and said in a low voice, “Hello.”
“Hey? Tang Song.” Liu Shasha’s voice was full of excitement, “I’ve found out most of what you asked me about Zhang Yan.”
“Thanks, Shasha. Zhang Yan didn’t come back during the National Day break this year, right?” Tang Song’s fingers were tapping unconsciously on the table.
“Yeah, she didn’t. Are you still in Jing County? I’m actually here in town with Zhang Yafei—she’s from the same village as Zhang Yan. Want to come over and ask in person?”
Tang Song hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “Sure, send me the location. I’ll head over directly.”
“OK, on it!”
After hanging up, Tang Song let out a long breath, emotions swirling inside.
After seeing Zhang Yan’s message last night, he decided to learn more about his former junior high desk-mate and friend.
They met when they were in their early teens—those years were mostly about fun and study.
Though they were close, they had never really talked about their family situations.
He only knew that Zhang Yan lived in Dongzhang Village, just a few kilometers from his hometown, in the same township.
1st floor of Hualian Mall, inside a Luckin Coffee shop.
Liu Shasha ended the call and gave the girl across from her a cheeky smile, “Got him to come out, hehe.”
Zhang Yafei asked curiously, “Is Tang Song really doing that well now? It’s only been a little over three years since he graduated, right? I remember his family was just average.”
“Sigh, you wouldn’t get it even if I told you.” Liu Shasha’s eyes sparkled. “Livestream e-commerce is super hot right now. Even the boss at my crappy company makes a million a year. Tang Song’s company has a livestream host with almost 2 million followers!”
“Seriously making that much?”
“Totally. I was hoping to ask him for help finding a job.” A hopeful look appeared on Liu Shasha’s face.
Right now, she was working at an e-commerce company in Quancheng doing operations—only one day off a week, constantly exhausted, and barely making over 5,000 yuan a month.
For Mid-Autumn and National Day, the company only gave four days off in total, and didn’t offer overtime pay or compensatory leave.
Sucking up to old classmate Zhang Yunpeng was also for learning livestreaming and video skills—if nothing else worked out, she’d at least start a side hustle.
She’d even tried running a Douyin account, but it only had a few thousand followers so far—really tough to grow.
So when she got Tang Song’s message early this morning, she was super enthusiastic and even brought Zhang Yafei along.
Zhang Yafei pursed her lips and asked softly, “So why is Tang Song asking about Zhang Yan? Haven’t they been out of touch for like ten years?”
"Not sure exactly, but last time we had dinner with Zhang Lei and the others, Tang Song specifically asked about her."
Zhang Yafei gossiped, "Don’t tell me he likes Zhang Yan?"
Liu Shasha hesitated and shook her head. "No way..."
"I think it's possible. They were close friends back in school, and... I saw Zhang Yan during the New Year—she’s really pretty now, way more stylish than before. There are often people coming by to set her up. But she’s a proper university graduate, works in a big city, doesn’t look at anyone around here."
"You don’t get it. Tang Song now... how should I put it... he’s kind of beyond our level. It’s not just that he has money—he’s got style, and he’s got that aura."
Liu Shasha couldn’t help but think back to seeing Tang Song at the bar, along with that curvy, intellectual beauty.
That woman clearly had ties to a Rolls-Royce Phantom—just one look and you knew she was wealthy and elegant.
Zhang Yan might be pretty too, but all things considered, the gap was huge.
Hearing Liu Shasha’s words, Zhang Yafei’s eyes lit up, "How handsome is he exactly? You make it sound so unreal."
"Aiya, he’ll be here any minute. Just see for yourself."
"Alright." Zhang Yafei blinked and looked toward the door.
During the holidays, this small county town’s busiest mall was packed and lively.
In the not-so-large coffee shop, it was crowded with people.
Zhang Yafei stared at the entrance for a while, found it boring, and looked away,
sipping her coffee as she chatted with Liu Shasha.
Five or six minutes later, a fresh and pleasant scent drifted over, blending with the smell of coffee.
Then came a clear, magnetic voice: "Hello, good morning, ladies."
Zhang Yafei looked up quickly, eyes widening slightly, her mouth slightly open.
Standing before her was a tall, upright young man.
Wearing a hoodie with orange and white color blocks and casual pants, his features were fresh and handsome, his black and white eyes shining like starlight under the cool lighting.
"Tang Song, you’re here—please, sit down." Liu Shasha quickly stood up and moved over. "This is the latte with coconut milk I ordered for you."
"Thanks, Shasha." Tang Song smiled and nodded, sitting beside her, eyes turning to the girl opposite. "You’re... Zhang Yafei? Long time no see."
It had been over ten years since they last met—honestly, he barely recognized this old classmate, since they’d only been casual friends back then.
Zhang Yafei quickly sat up straighter, blushing. "H-hi, Tang Song."
Liu Shasha covered her mouth and giggled, "Tang Song, look at how you’ve flustered Yafei—she’s even stuttering, haha."
"No I’m not, stop talking nonsense." Zhang Yafei instinctively brushed her hair back, face reddening further.
The two joked quietly for a bit.
Zhang Yafei looked down to sip her coffee, but her eyes kept sneaking glances at Tang Song.
She actually remembered him quite well—back then, he’d been a clean-cut, scholarly kind of guy, decent at schoolwork too.
Many girls in the class used to talk about him privately.
She just hadn’t expected him to become so outstanding after all these years.
Not only that, but with Tang Song’s arrival, many people nearby were glancing over too—his aura clearly drew attention.
The three chatted casually about old times, gradually recovering some of that school-era camaraderie.
Soon, Tang Song got to the point and asked what he really wanted to know.
With Liu Shasha guiding the conversation, Zhang Yafei began quietly explaining what she knew.
Tang Song’s hand tightened and loosened around his coffee cup.
Unlike him, Zhang Yafei had grown up in the same village as Zhang Yan and was the same age—so she knew a lot more.
Zhang Yan’s parents divorced when she was in elementary school.
Her mother went back to her hometown in Guangdong Province, and Zhang Yan initially lived with her father.
Later, her father remarried, and the stepmother didn’t treat her well.
In middle school, the stepmother had a baby boy, and Zhang Yan was sent to live with her aunt—which explained why she was always so frugal.
Later on, it was said that her mother remarried in Yang City and started earning a stable income, sending her child support every month.
After that, her life began to improve—she even repeated senior year of high school and got into Yan City Agricultural University.
After graduation, she found a decent job at a large educational institution in the capital. According to her aunt, she even sent money back home.
But not long after, policy changes led to mass layoffs at her company, and she naturally lost her job.
Later, she went to Yang City.
According to Zhang Yafei, she probably went to seek help from her mother.
Since starting college and leaving Dongzhang Village, Zhang Yan rarely contacted her old classmates.
Zhang Yafei only knew all this from bits and pieces told by others.
After listening to her account, Tang Song took a deep breath, emotions churning.
In his memory, Zhang Yan had just been a shy, blush-prone classmate—he never expected her life to have been so complicated and difficult.
But thinking about it, it wasn’t that surprising.
Most of their generation were only children—so long as the family was stable and parents were healthy, life wasn’t too bad.
But Zhang Yan’s frugality in middle and high school was a clear reflection of her family troubles.
However, Tang Song knew that even after Zhang Yan went to Yang City, she didn’t live with her mother.
She rented a place alone in an old neighborhood and took in a stray cat named Juzi.
Zhang Yafei set down her empty coffee cup and smiled awkwardly. "That’s about all I know."
"Thanks." Tang Song nodded.
Just as Liu Shasha opened her mouth to bring up her own matter,
Ring ring ring— the phone rang.
Tang Song pulled his phone from his pocket, signaled to the two girls, and got up to answer.
"Hello, Sister Shuyu."
"Finally done being busy over there? Took you long enough to pay me some attention."
"Heh, alright, I’ll be there soon—graciously agreeing to go on a date with you."
"Century Plaza, right? Got it, I’ll be there in about an hour."
After hanging up, Tang Song turned to the two classmates. "Shasha, Yafei, thanks for helping today. I’ve got an appointment in Quancheng, so I’ll be heading out. Let’s have a proper meal sometime."
Liu Shasha’s lips moved. "Um... Tang Song, Yafei and I were planning to head into Quancheng for some shopping anyway. There’s nothing fun in this little town—why don’t we go together?"
She hadn’t even gotten a chance to bring up her ‘important matter’—no way was she letting Tang Song slip away that easily.
She’d helped him out, after all. If she missed this opportunity, it’d be hard to bring it up later.
Zhang Yafei quickly chimed in, "Yeah, we were planning to take the bus."
"Sure, no problem." Tang Song agreed without hesitation. "Let’s go. I’ll drive you."
Liu Shasha immediately jumped up, beaming. "Yay, thanks, Tang Song the handsome!"
"There’s no parking here—I left the car across the street." Tang Song said as he led them outside.
They crossed the traffic light and walked a bit further, arriving at his car.
He reached out to the back door handle. The lights flashed—car unlocked.
Tang Song thoughtfully opened the door. "Ladies, please get in."
Zhang Yafei and Liu Shasha both felt a little nervous and awed as they looked at the luxurious silver Mercedes sedan in front of them.
Carefully, they got into the back seat and took in the luxurious, comfortable interior.
Liu Shasha gulped. "Tang Song, this is an S-Class Mercedes, right? I heard it costs a million."
Tang Song fastened his seatbelt and smiled. “Yeah, about right.”
Hearing that massive number, Zhang Yafei was startled and secretly looked around—this was her first time sitting in such a high-end car.
She couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. The world of the wealthy really was different.
“By the way, where are you two planning to shop in Quancheng? I’ll drop you off first.”
“We don’t really have a plan—just big malls and the pedestrian street, you know.” Liu Shasha replied cheerfully, “What about you, where are you going?”
“Century Plaza.”
Liu Shasha’s eyes lit up, “Perfect, let’s just go there then. Century Plaza was just built last year—lots of new fun stuff there.”
“Alright.”
Vroom—
The car started up and smoothly merged onto the main road. Tang Song handled the steering wheel with practiced ease, eyes calm and focused.
Along the way, the three of them chatted casually, talking about changes in their hometown and their current work and lives—the atmosphere gradually became more relaxed.
Liu Shasha took the chance to subtly probe about Tang Song’s career, but didn’t dare come off too obvious, so she tread carefully.
Zhang Yafei sat quietly beside them, occasionally chiming in, but mostly just sneaking glances at Tang Song’s profile.
......
Xiangdu District, Yuxiu Garden Community.
A light sweep of rosy blush brought a healthy glow to her cheeks.
Her eyeshadow was a warm, soft earth tone—subtle yet cozy—and she finished with a layer of rosewood lipstick, not too bold, but enough to brighten her complexion.
Strictly speaking, this was probably the first time she was going on a proper date with a guy—purely for the sake of romance.
Naturally, she felt a little nervous.
Opening the wardrobe, Xie Shuyu picked out a light-colored blouse and slacks according to her usual style.
Looking at herself in the mirror, a hint of hesitation flickered in her eyes.
Would he think I’m too formal? Or... maybe this look is just right?
Knock knock knock— came the sound of knocking.
The door was pushed open right after.
Her mother, Zhao Su’e, walked in, glanced at her daughter carefully doing her makeup, and asked in surprise, “Xiaoyu, where are you going?”
“Just going out for dinner with a friend.” Xie Shuyu looked slightly uneasy. “Might be home a bit late.”
Zhao Su’e caught the shift in her daughter’s expression and tentatively asked, “Is it with that young man from last time? The one who’s your investor?”
Xie Shuyu calmly nodded and didn’t deny it. “Yes, him.”
Zhao Su’e instantly got excited, her voice dropping to a hush. “Xiaoyu, tell Mom honestly—what’s going on between you two?”
Xie Shuyu pressed her lips together, paused for a moment, and finally said, “We’re dating, Mom. But don’t worry about it—I know what I’m doing.”
Hearing that, Zhao Su’e clapped her hands in joy, her face full of happiness. “Aiyo, that’s wonderful! Alright, alright, I promise your dad and I won’t interfere—you two just take your time. If it gets too late, don’t worry about coming home either!”
Xie Shuyu’s eye twitched slightly—her mom’s blunt reaction made her want to laugh and cry at the same time.
Zhao Su’e chuckled and gave her daughter a once-over, then suddenly frowned. “That outfit’s not right for a date—it’s way too formal! Here, I’ll get you something better.”
As she spoke, she skillfully opened the wardrobe and rummaged around for a bit. Finally, she pulled out a sexy slip dress and paired it with a casual blazer.
Over the years, with her daughter always traveling for work, she had been the one organizing the closet—she knew every piece by heart.
Looking at the clothes her mother had handed her, Xie Shuyu hesitated for a moment, then reluctantly accepted and changed.
After getting dressed, she stood in front of the full-length mirror and gave herself a twirl, carefully studying her reflection.
It was as if she were checking whether this image matched Tang Song’s taste.
She wasn’t the type to go out of her way to please someone, but since it was a date with her boyfriend, she did want him to like it.
Besides, maybe it was guilt too.
After spending this time with him, she’d come to realize she probably wasn’t suited for traditional marriage.
She knew she couldn’t give her whole self emotionally—especially with how much she was invested in her career.
That was also why, even after learning about Tang Song and Wen Ruan, she chose to pretend not to notice.
Once everything was ready, Xie Shuyu grabbed her bag, picked up her car keys, and said goodbye to her parents.
.....
The silver Mercedes S-Class slowly entered Quancheng city center.
Feeling the moment was right, Liu Shasha cleared her throat and started talking about her work over the past few years.
“Honestly, it’s a bit embarrassing. Ever since I graduated, I’ve been bouncing around small companies—can’t seem to stay anywhere for more than a year or so.” She sounded a bit helpless. “Now that I’m older, job hunting is getting harder and harder...”
She paused there, then added in a half-joking, half-testing tone, “So, Tang Song, if there’s any good opportunities on your end—or if you know any big bosses who are hiring—please think of your old classmates!”
Tang Song of course picked up on the subtext. With a slight smile, he casually asked, “Are you thinking about working in Yan City, or would you rather stay in Quancheng?”
“Uh...” Liu Shasha lowered her head and thought for a bit, then answered softly, “Either’s fine, really. I’d love to stay in Quancheng, but the job market here isn’t exactly great.”
“Alright. Shouldn’t be a problem here in Quancheng—I’ll help you make some connections.” Tang Song agreed right away.
“Really?!” Liu Shasha nearly jumped from her seat in excitement, thanking him repeatedly, “Thank you, Tang Song! Thank you so much! Seriously, thank you!”
She hadn’t expected her old classmate to be so generous—it almost brought tears to her eyes. Check latest chapters at novèlfire.net
With low education and no connections, life in this small city had been rough.
Since graduating four years ago, she’d been stuck in a cycle of short-term jobs. The older she got, the harder it became.
That’s why she shamelessly buttered up Zhang Yunpeng, and now was relying on Tang Song, a classmate she hadn’t contacted in years.
Tang Song chuckled lightly. “Don’t mention it—happy to help.”
A few minutes later, the Mercedes S-Class slowly pulled into the underground parking lot of Century Plaza.
Tang Song picked up his phone—there was already a new unread message on WeChat.
【Sister Shuyu: “I’m on the first floor of the mall, waiting for you by the elevator.”】
He replied briefly.
The three of them got out of the car and walked side by side toward the elevator.
Along the way, Liu Shasha was still riding the high of excitement, occasionally sneaking glances at Tang Song with a slightly fawning tone.
While chatting, the three squeezed into the elevator with the crowd.
With a ding, the elevator doors slowly opened on the first floor.
The moment they stepped out, Tang Song’s attention was immediately caught by a figure not far away, and a bright smile lit up his face.
Noticing his reaction, Zhang Yafei and Liu Shasha both turned to look.
A tall, slender, and sexy figure came into view.
She wore a fitted slip dress, layered with a camel-colored casual blazer, and flat shoes that looked both elegant and comfortable.
The simple yet refined outfit highlighted her tall, graceful curves.
Her fair, smooth skin, graceful and striking features, and the faintly visible line of her collarbone made her appear both gentle and irresistibly charming.
Passersby couldn’t help but turn for another look, captivated by her beauty and aura.
The woman seemed to sense something and slightly lifted her head to look this way.
When her eyes met Tang Song’s, a soft smile gently curled her lips.
While Zhang Yafei and Liu Shasha were still in a daze, Tang Song had already strode forward, walking straight up to her.
It was only then that Zhang Yafei and Liu Shasha realized—this was the friend Tang Song had arranged to meet.
Watching their intimate gestures and the woman’s elegant, sexy figure, the two of them saw shock, envy, and a hint of inferiority in each other’s eyes.
“Have you been waiting long?”
Xie Shuyu shook her head. “No, I just got here.”
After speaking, she glanced at Tang Song beside her, hesitated for a moment, then lowered her voice and said, “You’re not mad, are you? I really have been busy lately. I’m sorry.”
“Seeing how pretty you are, I’ll forgive you.” Tang Song gently wrapped his arm around her slender, graceful waist.
Xie Shuyu looked up at him, a trace of barely detectable tenderness in her eyes. “Alright then.”
Tang Song looked at Liu Shasha and Zhang Yafei standing nearby and smiled as he introduced them, “These two are my classmates from middle school. They just happened to be in Quancheng too, so we came over together.”
Xie Shuyu smiled softly, extending her hand gracefully and confidently. “Hello, I’m Xie Shuyu.”
“Hello, I’m Liu Shasha.” “Hi, I’m Zhang Yafei.”
The two of them hurriedly reached out to shake her hand.
Even though she was very humble in her demeanor, the confidence and elegance she exuded made them feel a kind of invisible pressure.
“Um...” Liu Shasha rubbed her hands nervously, “Yafei and I are going upstairs to browse around, so we won’t bother you guys.”
“Wait a second.” Tang Song suddenly spoke, turning to Xie Shuyu. “Sister Shuyu, this classmate of mine is looking to switch jobs here in Quancheng. Do you happen to know of any suitable opportunities?”
He knew that Xie Shuyu had a wide network locally, and Shimmer Coffee’s premium store had already opened in Quancheng.
That was also why he had so readily agreed to Liu Shasha’s earlier request.
Hearing this, Liu Shasha immediately tensed up and looked nervously at Xie Shuyu.
Just from the woman’s aura, it was obvious—she wasn’t someone ordinary.
Xie Shuyu paused briefly, then elegantly opened her purse and took out a business card, handing it over. “Shasha, here’s my card. Add me on WeChat later and send me your résumé—I can help refer you to a few companies and positions.”
“Oh, okay, thank you, thank you!” Liu Shasha took the card with both hands, overwhelmed with emotion.
Her gaze swept over the contents of the card, and her heart skipped a beat.
【Shimmer Coffee Company in Yan City, General Manager, Xie Shuyu】
As a working professional, she wasn’t unfamiliar with local workplace news and business buzz.
She’d definitely heard of the recently popular Shimmer Coffee.
It had just opened but had already become a trendy hotspot, attracting droves of young people—and supposedly had chain stores all over the country.
She never imagined the owner of that café would be her!
Liu Shasha quickly bowed, her voice brimming with respect. “President Xie, it’s an honor. I’ve heard of Shimmer Coffee—it’s amazing. Thank you so much!”
“You’re welcome.” Xie Shuyu smiled slightly, her tone gentle but with a hint of polite distance. “Let’s leave it at that for today—we can follow up later.”
Liu Shasha nodded quickly. “Okay, okay, thank you again, President Xie!”
“Bye-bye.” “Bye-bye.”
After saying their goodbyes,
Watching the two walk away, Liu Shasha stood frozen, unable to snap out of it.
Zhang Yafei leaned over and whispered, “Shasha, is she Tang Song’s girlfriend? She’s so pretty.”
“No idea.” Liu Shasha took a deep breath, her fingertips brushing over the gold-stamped letters on the card, gripping it tightly.
To her, this was a chance to change her fate.